[ the accusation — observation? — is flat, a stark truth that clings to laurent's side like a thorn. he has no plan, at least not one good enough to withstand the full force of his uncle's armies. he has no allies, except for — he turns his thoughts away, his stomach already churning with unrest. he does not want to think of damen. he does not want to think of his kind, capable hands, the same ones that slew his brother in battle.

and then sasuke strikes with a precision that surprises even him. the things he endured at his uncle's hands have left his childhood memories unreliable, tainted with a haze of doubt, and the gaping holes of pitch darkness leave ample room for nightmares to fester. the blow sasuke lands takes him back, a flash of fearful doubt cracking through the glacial fury in his eyes. ]

It seems it wasn't memorable.

[ but he once again feels the phantom touch of lips, wet, solid, a spark of heat despite the freezing cold. before he can stop himself, his fingers brush his mouth, his chest rising in a hard, controlled breath. he makes the mistake of staring back into the screen, where he meets sasuke's gaze. a flush, unbidden, creeps across his exposed skin. ]

You know where I am. [ something hard glints in his eyes, challenging. ] If you want to know the answer to your question, then come, kiss me.